Abandoned railroad bridge over the Caddo River at Jefferson, Texas. 

CHAPTER XV.

   AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE JEFFERSON, MARSHALL AND BIG CYPRESS BAYOU BRIDGE COMPANY.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas, That William H. Johnson, Donald Campbell and J. H. Roberts, and such other persons as they may associate with themselves, and their successors, are hereby created and constituted a body corporate under the name and style of the Jefferson. Marshall and Big Cypress Bayou Bridge Company, and under such name shall sue and be sued, to have, hold and own property, and have succession for thirty years. Said company shall have the right to construct a bridge or bridges, of iron or wood, across the Big Cypress Bayou, at a suitable point opposite the city of Jefferson, between said city of Jefferson and Marshall. Said company shall construct said bridge In a good and substantial manner, within five years from the first day of January, A. IX 1870, and shall keep the same in good repair for the term of thirty years from the completion thereof, and to be ready at all times to pass all passengers, carriages, wagons, teams and stock that may wish to cross on paid bridge, and be responsible as common carriers, under the law, for any loss of property in' transit over said bridge.

Sec. 2. That said company shall be entitled to charge and receive, from the completion of said bridge, for the term of thirty years, the following tolls from all persons who may cross themselves or their property, viz: Four horse, or ox stage or wagon, fifty cents; for six horse or ox stage or wagon, sixty cents; and for each additional pair of horses, mules or oxen attached to said wagon, ten cents; for man and horse, ten cents; single horse and buggy, twenty- five cents; two horse buggies, two horse or ox wagons, forty cents; other vehicles in proportion. Footmen, five cents; cattle, five cents per head; hogs, sheep and goats, two cents per head; and other property in proportion to the above rates. '

Sec. 3. That no other bridge or ferry shall be constructed or kept across the said Big Cypress Bayou or river, for the space of thirty years, after the completion of the bridge, within a space of two and a half miles in a straight line above, and two and a half miles in a straight line below said bridge, except railroad bridges; which said Jefferson, Marshall and Big Cypress Bayou Bridge Company may construct; provided, that in case the said bridge shall get out of repair, the said company shall be authorized to keep a ferry boat for the crossing of passengers over said bayou or river, until the said bridge is repaired or put in order.

Sec. 4. That any person crossing said bridge, and refusing or otherwise attempting to evade the payment of the tolls herein allowed, when saia company is authorized to demand and receive the same, shall forfeit and pay to said company for every such attempt the sum of five dollars for each item attempted to be evaded, which may be recovered before any justice of the peace in whose jurisdiction such person may be found; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent any person from crossing at any ford on said bayou or river.

Sec. 5. That this act shall take effect from and after its passage.

Passed July 20, 1870,

Laws Passed by the ... Legislature of the State of Texas‎ - Page 26

by Texas- 1870

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